Education for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and investment by them here, will be the dominant themes of the next Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in New Delhi from January 7 onwards.
The annual event, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, will also provide an opportunity to discuss issues of social concerns of all regional diaspora groups.
The three-day meet -- 'Rooting for the roots: Meeting India's Social Development Challenges' -- will discuss how education opportunities can be provided to the PIOs and NRIs.
The Indian diaspora has been seeking facilities for higher education and increase in reservation in institutes here and the issue will be discussed at the meet, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) Vayalar Ravi said here today.
Such demands have mainly come from Gulf countries, he said while announcing the dates of the event to be organised by the MOIA in partnership with CII and Delhi Government.
Investment by NRIs and PIOs here will also be a prominent issue to be discussed at the PBD, in the backdrop of demands by the Indian diaspora for a single window clearance system.
{{/usCountry}}Investment by NRIs and PIOs here will also be a prominent issue to be discussed at the PBD, in the backdrop of demands by the Indian diaspora for a single window clearance system.
{{/usCountry}}The PIOs and NRIs will have an opportunity to discuss these issues with representatives of the central government and the Chief Ministers of various states, Ravi said, adding "we are encouraging them to invest here."
Between 1,500 to 2,000 PIOs are expected to attend the meet and PBD awards will be given to a select few by President A P J Abdul Kalam at its conclusion. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will also address the event.